Inspiring
Convert Story-01

"I Have Found The Answer"

By Thomas James RingLocale of Calgary, Alberta, Canada

THAT LIFE IS a continuous and painstaking search
for the meaning of our existence is one of the universal truths.
Through the years, I have actually gone through the process of
searching for the true meaning of life and my specific role in the
grand scheme of things.

I was born and have primarily lived for most part
of my life in the beautiful city of Calgary where, in this part of
Canada, the seasons can change in a single day. I am the eldest of
four children who were raised under the religious belief and
doctrines of the Lutheran Church. I remember attending church
functions zealously because I wanted to learn more about the Holy
Scriptures, which I believed, could help me find the true meaning of
my existence. As I went on with my religious life, some doubts
regarding my faith started to weigh me down. I began questioning the
credibility of our minister's own interpretation of the verses in
the Holy Scriptures. To my mind, I presumed that a minister's own
perceptions and theological orientation do not guarantee a fair and
accurate interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. Inconsistencies of
some of the doctrines and religious practices like confirmation,
communion, and baptism of infants further chipped on my once solid
faith. As a consequence, my activeness in the church diminished over
the years.

Although I still regarded the words of God written
in the Holy Scriptures with awe, my main stumbling block was putting
my faith on a person or religious leader who might not have the
divine authority to unlock the Bible's hidden meanings. Finding
myself in this dilemma caused a distraction to my search. Working
for a living just to gain material wealth seemed the only way to go.

Then, in October of 1994, my whole world and
meaning in life changed. I was invited invited to attend a worship
service in the Church of Christ by sister Elizabeth Hizon, a dear
friend and an active member of this Church. Listening to the
lessons being delivered that day opened my mind. The
question-and-answer style of instruction made me understand easily
the lesson as it wound its course to support and prove the doctrine
being taught.

Among the first doctrines that stirred my interest
was about God's prohibition of eating blood. One interesting topic
lead to another until I found myself attending the Bible studies and
worship services regularly. I could find no contradicting
information in the lessons being taught.

Brother Norman dela Cruz, an evangelical worker at
the time, helped me understand more about the doctrines and
teachings of the Church. He should how God wants us to serve Him.
Moreover, I became aware why our Lord Jesus Christ was sent among
us, and how through His teachings and redemptive death people can
become worthy of salvation come Judgment Day.

After diligently completing the lessons, Brother
Sammy Kamimura baptized me on June 4, 1995. In that moment of "clear
sightedness" during my baptism, I believed I underwent a "rebirth"—
a new person in the threshold of a promising and fulfilling life
emerged from the baptismal pool in Calgary. My life changed and
there was no more turning back.

The gift of a new life further saw me actively
holding important offices in the Church. I held the offices of
Buklod president and overseer for about three years. I look
back to those years with fulfillment and affection.

Until this day, I have never wavered in my sacred
duties and obligations, and this time, as a head deacon in the
locale of Calgary. This offices in the Church give me gift of
satisfaction and that certain zest for life that made me look
forward to each new day. Inspired by God's abiding grace, I am doing
my best to help bring more souls into the fold.

Indeed, I have learned to value and treasure my
sacred calling. The Church of Christ in now the focal point of my
life. Through my membership in the Church, I have realized what my
purpose in life is—to serve, honor, and give praise to God and to
our Lord Jesus Christ.□

_______________________

Source: GOD'S MESSAGE, May 2004, p.10Note: Some words and phrases are in italics for emphasis.